Sudanese factions agree to 7-day ceasefire

The US and Saudi Arabia mediated talks between the two warring Sudanese factions in Jeddah on May 20. "A seven-day ceasefire will take effect from the evening of May 22. This order can be extended if both sides agree," the US and Saudi Arabia said in a joint statement after the meeting.

"Unlike previous ceasefires, the agreement reached in Jeddah was signed by all parties and monitored by the US-Saudi and international ceasefire monitoring mechanism," the statement said.

The statement also said further talks would focus on additional steps needed to improve security and humanitarian conditions for civilians.

A new ceasefire has been agreed after fighting in Sudan entered its sixth week. Air strikes and shelling have rocked the Sudanese capital, as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) continue their battle for power.

Black smoke rises after an airstrike in Khartoum North, Sudan on May 1. Photo: Reuters — Black smoke rises after an airstrike in Khartoum North, Sudan on May 1. Photo: *Reuters*

On May 20, the Qatari embassy was ransacked by armed men, becoming the latest diplomatic mission to be attacked. Doha condemned the action, calling for an "immediate cessation of hostilities" in Sudan.

Qatar did not specify which force carried out the attack, but a statement from the Sudanese government blamed the RSF paramilitary force.

The embassies of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have also been attacked in recent weeks. Although the main fighting has been in the capital Khartoum, violence has also spread to the western Darfur region.

Nearly 1.1 million people have been displaced or fled abroad since the conflict began on April 15. The World Health Organization (WHO) says at least 705 people have been killed and 5,287 injured in the fighting.

The fighting between the SAF and RSF has also left Sudan in a state of lawlessness, with looting rampant. Stocks of food, cash and basic supplies are running low.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) announced on May 19 that it would provide more than $100 million in health and food aid to Sudan and countries hosting displaced Sudanese. "It is difficult to convey the extent of the suffering that Sudan is experiencing," said Samantha Power, head of USAID.